Effects of Supplementation with Corn or Dried Distillers Grains on Gains of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures

Authors

L. W. Lomas, Kansas State UniversityFollow
J. L. Moyer, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

corn, distillers grains, grazing, smooth bromegrass, supplementation, stocker cattle, heifers

Abstract

Distillers grains, a by-product of the ethanol industry, have tremendous potential as an economical and nutritious supplement for grazing cattle. Distillers grains contain a high concentration of protein (25 to 30%), with more than two-thirds escaping degradation in the rumen, which makes it an excellent supplement for younger cattle. Recent advancements in the ethanol manufacturing process have resulted in extraction of a greater amount of fat; therefore, creating distillers grains that may contain less energy than corn. This research was conducted to compare performance of stocker cattle supplemented with corn or DDG at 0.5% body weight per head daily while grazing smooth bromegrass pastures.

Recommended Citation

Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2018) "Effects of Supplementation with Corn or Dried Distillers Grains on Gains of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 4: Iss. 3. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7564